When a couple decides to marry, the bride’s life often turns itself upside down. From the purchase of the first bridal magazine to the hundreds of ideas that pour forth in the coming months, the lists are endless, the planning precise, the details exact.

My career as a wedding photographer has taken me on many adventures. I’ve seen both the good and the bad, the planned and the impromptu. The ‘what ifs’ can be endless: what if it rains? what if humidity melts the cake? what if the flowers droop? what if the announcements are misspelled? what if? what if?

For some of the truly spectacular weddings, and the most happy and carefree brides, there is usually a team behind the scenes that pull together a flawless performance — taking care of all those ‘what ifs’ and simply allowing a bride to be radiant and confident on her special day.

Last year I photographed Katie and Nick’s engagement session located in the carefree wilds of the remote barrier islands of South Carolina and recently photographed their wedding at the Southside Baptist Church in Columbia, SC and incredible reception at 701 Whaley,

Wedding planner Melanie Murphy (By Invitation Only) did an incredible job ensuring each detail was perfect for Katie & Nick’s celebration and left nothing to chance. Any of the ‘what ifs’ had already been eliminated under Melanie’s watchful guidance.
And when it came to florals that stretched from the ceiling (yes, ceiling!) to the cake, Fern Studio did a truly breathtaking job that astonished the imagination and was the perfect compliment to the stunning four-tiered cake designed by the infamous Nonnah’s.

Katie & Nick have so many beautiful and memorable moments throughout their wedding day, but the one that I hold closest in memory is the instant they were greeted by hundreds of family and friends as they exited the church under a shower of rose petals. It was there I witnessed a radiant and confident couple, to whom I wish a lifetime of happiness.

Have you ever had one of those remote spots that just mean the world to you? And even more so when you’re with the one you love?Kiawah Island is that spot for Katie & Nick. After hearing their love for Kiawah and talking with Katie on the phone about her desire to have a shoot there we just had to make it happen. Thankfully the stars aligned and we were able to do just that.Kiawah, part of the chain of barrier islands off the coast of Charleston, SC, has a long and often romantic past ranging from the Kiawah Indian tribes and rumors of buried pirate gold, to the world class vacation resort of today.
Anxious to begin our journey, we first visited the famous Angel Oak Tree (which turns out you need a permit to shoot there, so don’t try it!) They were kind enough to allow us one quick photo which thankfully turned out to be pretty perfect. We then headed further into Kiawah and I quickly realized why this place meant so much to them….gorgeous beaches, marshes, forest and wildlife in an unspoiled natural setting. It was truly paradise!
We ended at a Mingo Point, a Lowcountry favorite which overlooks the marshes of the Kiawah River, which Katie claimed had a gorgeous sunset — and certainly didn’t disappoint!This love branches out like an oak tree. Reach for the sky and roots to the sea. ~ Unknown

I knew from the moment I met Heather & Tyler over pastries and coffee that we were essentially perfect for one another! From hearing about their love for the outdoors, Tyler’s romantic proposal story and simply witnessing their devotion and adoration for one another – I had no doubt their engagement session would be a favorite!

We met at Latta Plantation on a beautiful Fall day and simply walked and explored the gorgeous grounds. Their connection and carefree approach to the day resulted in some of my favorite images and makes me so excited for their May wedding at The Arbors in Cleveland, NC.

“You are the source of my joy, the center of my world and the whole of my heart.”

I once read a quote by Joyce Meyer that said, “A positive attitude gives you power over your circumstances instead of your circumstances having power over you.”
I think we’ve all had those moments in life — and how you choose to approach the situation ultimately affects everyone who surrounds you.

I can think of no better example of a positive attitude than my bride Jen, who recently married the love of her life, Frayne. Her wedding day didn’t have even the smallest ray of sunshine, and the downpour of rain continued throughout the day. While many brides would have been devastated, Jen never lost her smile. Her radiance provided all the light and warmth needed for this special occasion, and, along with the numerous umbrellas she had provided for her guests, the wedding was a beautiful event to be remembered for a lifetime.

Special thanks to the incredible team I had the privilege of working with on this wedding! Full contributors list below.

If it rains on your wedding day, every time it rains for the rest of your life you will be blessed with a reminder of that special moment.

When I first met Lauren and Andrew for their Engagement Session in the Outer Banks, the one thing I noticed above all, was the magic that existed between these two. They are a couple whose deep devotion to each other are complimented with true romance and an unshakable faith in God.
There were many prayers said the day of their wedding at the Mint Museum in Charlotte, but none so important as their first prayer together as husband and wife, after lighting the Unity Candle at the altar. “It was a very special moment for us,” said Lauren, as she described her favorite memories of the wedding.
Wedding planner Ashley Cash of The Graceful Host provided exactly the right touch for this couple…Calla Lilies. Derived from the Greek word meaning beauty, the Calla Lily is a traditional symbol of marital bliss, true devotion and divinity. I can think of no better way to describe this amazing couple than the symbolism of the Calla Lilly.

“A single flower can be my garden…a single friend, my world.” Leo Buscaglia

Our time together was truly serene. The couple stated early in the day they didn’t take each other “too seriously” and “just enjoy laughing and spending time together.” Those attributes were clearly apparent in their shoot. They were both completely at ease without a care in the world.
Generally, there’s some hesitation getting starting at most photo shoots, as it’s sometimes an awkward feeling knowing you are being photographed — but, to Jen & Frayne, I was just there like part of the scenery — fortunate enough to witness the love they share and their carefree devotion to one another . The best way I could describe their love : purely effortless.

Hiking up the over 6,000 feet elevation of Black Balsam Knob, we really weren’t sure what the evening would hold. The clouds in the distance were clearly storm clouds, yet the sun was peering through the darkness as well. It was without question the most variety I’ve ever received from the sky in a session and the sunset….oh, the sunset. Well, just see for yourself.

Mix a little foolishness with your serious plans. It is lovely to be silly at the right moment. ~ Horace

I recently had the amazing opportunity to collaborate with Carolina Bride for their Fall issue. As you can imagine, I was honored beyond belief.
As I met with then Editor Cristina Wilson to discuss details and envision the article, my heart was pounding. This was it! I was collaborating on a feature, taking notes and making mental images of a storybook Fall wedding.
As the day dawned at the historic Old Sherrill’s Inn near Asheville, NC, it was a drizzly morning and rain was in the forecast throughout the day. Oftentimes near the Great Smoky Mountains, those rainy days will end with a gorgeous sunset, so we kept our fingers crossed while battling with the weather.
Later that evening, a car load of optimists waited near Max Patch Mountain, eyes scanning the sky for a clearing — and suddenly there it was. The wind shifted, the clouds began to part, and the sun slowly slid into view. We immediately jumped out as the sun was racing towards the horizon.
It wasn’t until after we started off the mountain again, the shoot being declared a success, that it dawned on me one of those pictures might be the cover shot. I guess it just goes to show that once the eye goes to the camera, all other thoughts are gone except the beauty that lies immediately in your sight.

Real life is about weathering the storms of life together — Seth Adam Smith

My special thanks to Barbara Pedwell of From This Day Forward Wedding & Event Design, who truly did an incredible job bringing this vision to life and to my amazing assistant Jessica Henry.
Full contributors list below.

Here’s the actual magazine feature for those that weren’t able to get their hands on a hard copy!

It was nearly a year ago that I found myself surrounded by the beauty of high cliffs and crashing waves as I traveled to California for the Engagement Session of Lib and Magnus.
Fast forward to the present, via American Airlines, and I was making a return trip to the West Coast for their wedding of a lifetime. Being a photographer at weddings both small and large, I must admit I’ve never seen anything like this. It was amazing to say the least. In fact, the word amazing doesn’t even come close.
Amidst a backdrop of the Mayacamas Mountain Range, the wedding was held at the Chalk Hill Estate in Healdsburg. This estate is home not only to the award winning Chalk Hill Winery, but to a vast array of their culinary artistry as well.

For a wedding of this magnitude, only the best of planners could arrange everything down to the minute detail. Enter the incredibly talented Kelly McLeskey Dolata of A Savvy Event, who managed each intricate facet with effortless ease.

With Lib being a California girl with friends on the East Coast, and Magnus hailing from New Zealand, the guest list was like a worldwide celebration as friends and family traveled from across the globe to celebrate this momentous occasion. The bride, who was truly radiant and calm amid the whirl of activity, put everyone at ease with her gracefulness. I can only imagine this is what it would be like to witness the wedding of a Princess.

While photographing the couple’s portraits later in the afternoon, we were absolutely shocked to look in the sky above them and see heart-shaped clouds. Unbeknownst to the bride and groom, it appeared that even the Heavens had sent their own salutations and best wishes for their marriage.

Then the Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.” ~ Genesis 2:18

As a photographer, I often tend to visualize a scene before me based upon its possibilities, rather than what might be seen by the average person. Oftentimes, it seems my mind’s eye views the world with an optimistic tilt, coupled with a panoramic view that can lend itself to epic proportions.
When you stop and think about it, those same qualities are often the ones found in my couples as they anticipate the vast possibilities of a future life together.

When you combine the two, many times, you have magic . . . . . .

Over six hours of travel brought me to meet Lauren and Andrew at a location like none other. Hailed as ‘The Living Dune,’ Jockey’s Ridge at Nag’s Head is the tallest active sand dune system in the Eastern United States. As with life itself, the shifting winds here are constantly reshaping the dunes, refining their surfaces, and leaving behind a vast array of true magic that is viewable to all who open their heart and soul.

It is here also, that one can sometimes find a unique treasure known as fulgurite. A fused quartz, fulgurite is a glass tube which is created by lightning striking sand. Fragile, but sturdy, these objects occur in a flash, but can last for thousands of years. While the object may look like an ordinary rock, the true beauty is on the inside — the part you can’t often see.

While we didn’t notice any of these unique shapes during our session, I couldn’t help but think how the workings of nature can be so interweaved in relation to our own lives. As Andrew and Lauren walked up the vast sand dune, her dress blowing in the breeze, their connection and movement were effortless. Just like the dunes upon which they walked, I knew their magic together would soon become timeless.

End Notes: I connected with Simone of Jetaime Events in hopes of incorporating a collaborating with a few local vendors to make this session extra special for Lauren and Andrew. We were so fortunate to connect with Nancy Harvey of Holiday House Weddings who created a beautiful tablescape for us on the dunes and also Hairocis Spa & Salon who provided such beautiful hair and makeup.

Andrew and Lauren will be married in April in what I believe will be one of the most beautiful weddings designed and planned by the incredibly talented Ashley Cash of The Graceful Host.
Something tells there’s more magic in store . . .

Katie and Ben were married a few short weeks ago, and were eagerly looking forward to a jaunt across Europe on their honeymoon. While their wedding had been steeped in tradition, they opted to take a step out of the ordinary and embark on a high altitude Adventure Session prior to boarding the plane to the ancestral lands of their forefathers.

The three of us left the humid 80+ degree temperatures of the city and traveled to Pisgah National Forest along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Amid the winding roadways and deep forests, the weather took an abrupt change as the heat dissipated and wind chill plummeted to the 40s.

Our first destination was Looking Glass Falls, where even in the summer, the water feels icy cold and the spray from the 60-foot falls quickly numb your fingers and toes — especially if you’re adorned in a wedding gown. From there, we traveled to Black Balsam Knob with its 70-mile vistas.

Amazingly enough, the trees begin to disappear the higher you climb. And when you reach the 6,200 feet, the Knob envelopes you in an alpine atmosphere akin to that found in Europe. It was a spectacular view, only made better by the loving couple standing on the summit.

As we left this enchanted area, we talked about the upcoming honeymoon and the places the couple wished to visit. With Katie’s mother’s ancestors from Italy and her father’s from Croatia, she said it had always been her dream to visit those faraway lands. And with an endearing smile, she looked at her husband and said, “Ben made my dream come true.”

And forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and the winds long to play with your hair. — Kahlil Gibran